Thermal conductivity control devices

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses includes thermally contacting a first conduction body with a heat source, thermally contacting a second conduction body with a heat sink, and thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body by moving the first conduction body between a first position and a second position with a thermal expansion component. The thermal expansion component moves the first conduction body between the first position and the second position at a predetermined temperature and heat is conducted from the heat source to the heat sink through the first and second conduction bodies.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/913,863, filed Jun. 10, 2013. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to thermal conductivity control devices, and more particularly, to thermal conductivity control devices that reduce the heat transfer rate from a heat source to a heat sink below a predetermined temperature.

2. Description of Related Art

Vehicles rely on batteries for power when power is not available from onboard electrical generators or an external source. Typically, vehicles have used conventional batteries with lead-acid cells or nickel-cadmium cells to meet onboard power needs when onboard generators and external sources are not available. Developments in vehicle systems have led to greater power requirements, and vehicle designers have therefore turned to high energy chemistry batteries for vehicular power storage. Lithium metal and lithium ion chemistry batteries, such as lithium cobalt oxide, have gained widespread acceptance in vehicular applications owing to their relatively small size and weight for a given amount of power storage. High energy chemistry batteries are desirable in automotive and aerospace applications because of their high energy density relative to conventional battery chemistries, such as nickel cadmium or lead acid chemistries.

High energy batteries generate power through an exothermic reaction. The heat generated by the exothermic reaction needs to be dissipated from the battery. Vehicles therefore typically include a thermally efficient conduit coupling the battery to the environment external to the vehicle to dissipate heat while the battery is in operation. High energy batteries can also have a minimum operating temperature below which battery performance degrades. They therefore rely on internally generated heat or a battery powered external heating element to maintain the temperature of the battery above a minimum operating temperature. However, under certain conditions, the highly efficient conduit used to cool the battery during operation also dissipates heat generated to keep the battery above its minimum operating temperature, thereby reducing available battery power and/or reducing battery life. Vehicles operating in cold ambient temperature environments are particularly susceptible to this problem.

Conventional methods and system for battery cooling have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is a need in the art for a thermal conductivity control device capable of reducing conduction path effectiveness during operation in cold ambient temperature environments. There is a further need for controlling thermal conductivity effectiveness in cold ambient temperature environments that is easy to make and use, and readily adaptable for use in existing battery installations. The present invention provides a solution for at least one of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed to a new and useful system for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses. The system includes a first conduction body configured and adapted for thermal contact with a heat source and a second conduction body configured and adapted for thermal contact with a heat sink. The system also includes a thermal expansion component operatively connected to move the first conduction body between a first position in which the first conduction body is spaced apart from the second conduction body for thermal isolation of the heat source and heat sink, and a second position in which the first conduction body is in thermal contact with the second conduction body for conduction of heat from the heat source, through the conduction bodies, and into the heat sink. The thermal expansion component is configured and adapted to move the first conduction body into the second position at a predetermined temperature.

In certain embodiments the first and second positions of the first conduction body define a direction of motion of the first conduction body with respect to the second conduction body. The conduction bodies can also have a wedge face oblique with respect to the direction of motion of the first conduction body. The wedge faces of conduction bodies can oppose one another, and in certain embodiments, can define an insulating gap between the bodies when the first conduction body is in its first position. The wedge faces can further form a thermally conductive interface when the first conduction body is in its second position. In an embodiment, at least one of the wedge faces is smooth and can be a polished surface for example.

In certain embodiments the thermal expansion component can include a cylinder configured to remain stationary relative to the second conduction body. A piston body operatively connects the first conduction body to the cylinder. The thermal expansion component can also include a thermal expansion body within the cylinder. The thermal expansion body is disposed between the cylinder and the piston, and upon reaching a predetermined temperature, expands to drive the first conduction body in the direction of motion from its first position to its second position. The thermal expansion body can further apply pressure to the opposing wedge faces defining the interface in the second position. The thermal expansion body can be a paraffin wax pellet, for example.

In accordance with certain embodiments the system can also include a resilient member that biases the first conduction body towards the first position. The resilient member can include a spring fixed on a first end to the cylinder and fixed to the piston on another end, for example.

The invention also provides a battery system. The system includes a battery body for storing and supplying electrical energy, a first conduction body in thermal contact with the battery body, and a thermal expansion component. The thermal expansion component operatively connects to the first conduction body and moves the first conduction body between a first position and a second position at a predetermined temperature. In the first position the first conduction body is spaced apart from a second conduction body, and thermally isolating the battery body from a heat sink in thermal contact with the second conduction body. In the second position the first conduction body thermally contacts the second conduction body and conducts heat from the battery body, through the conduction bodies, and into the heat sink. In certain embodiments the heat sink is thermally communicative with an exterior of an aircraft or an aircraft fuel reservoir.

The invention also provides a method for controlling thermal conductivity between thermal masses. The method includes contacting a heat source with a first conduction body, contacting a heat sink with a second conduction body, and conducting heat between the heat source and heat sink through the conduction bodies by thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body. First and second are placed into thermal contact by operation of a thermal expansion component, which moves the first conduction body between first and second positions at a predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the method also includes compressing the first conduction body against second conduction body, thereby increasing a rate of heat transfer between the heat source and the heat sink. In an exemplary embodiment, placing the bodies into thermal contact additionally includes sensing temperature of the heat source with the thermal expansion component, such as by volumetrically expanding a thermal expansion body captive within the thermal expansion component.

These and other features of the systems and methods of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject invention appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a thermal conductivity control system constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2F are schematic cross-sectional elevation views of the thermal conductivity control device of FIG. 1, respectively showing a sequence of operational position; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional elevation views of another exemplary embodiment of a thermal conductivity control system constructed in accordance with the invention, showing operation of the thermal expansion component of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conductivity control system in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 100. Other embodiments of the thermal conductivity system in accordance with the invention, or aspects thereof, are provided in FIGS. 2 and 3, as will be described. Thermal conductivity control system 100 can be used for dissipating heat from high energy power storage devices, for example, and in vehicles operated in cold ambient temperature environments.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a thermal conductivity control system 100 is shown. Thermal conductivity control system 100 has a first conduction body 110 and a second conduction body 120. First conduction body 110 is slideably disposed on a surface of a first thermal element 102. Second conduction body 120 is fixed to a surface of a second thermal element 104. In an embodiment, first thermal element 102 is a heat source and second thermal element 104 is a heat sink. For example, first thermal element 102 can be a battery and second thermal element can be a heat sink thermally communicative with an aircraft exterior.

First conduction body 110 defines a wedge face 112, a source face 114 adjacent wedge face 112, and a distal face 116 adjacent to wedge face 112 and to source face 114. First conduction body 110 is slideably disposed on surface 108 of first thermal element 102 along a portion of source face 114. Thermal conductivity control system 100 can also include a thermally conductive lubricant disposed between the source face 114 and surface 108, thereby reducing friction between source face 114 and surface 108 and providing thermal coupling during movement of source face 114 across surface 108.

Second conduction body 120 has a wedge face 122 opposite wedge face 112 of first conduction body 110, a sink face 124 adjacent to wedge face 122, and a distal face 126 adjacent to wedge face 122 and sink face 124. Sink face 124 is configured and arranged to conduct heat into second thermal element 104, thereby transferring heat from second conduction body 120. First conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a movement axis 106, shown in FIG. 1 extending to the right in the figure, movement axis 106 being substantially parallel to surface 108. In an exemplary embodiment, first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 are constructed from a material with a high heat transfer coefficient such as copper or aluminum.

Oppositely disposed wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 are substantially parallel to one another, and define a gap 130 therebetween. Gap 130 extends between first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 and has a gap width 132. Gap width 132 extends orthogonally with respect to surfaces defined by wedge face 112 and wedge face 122, and defines an insulating barrier between first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120. Gap 130 reduces the efficiency of a thermal conduit defined by first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 such that heat transfers between first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 is greatly reduced in the first position with gap 130 at a maximum. Gap 130 can be an evacuated space, an air gap, or an insulating fluid-filled reservoir. As will be appreciated, the thermal effectiveness of the conduction conduit defined by first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 is influenced by both gap width 132 and the material (if any) disposed within gap 130.

With further reference to FIG. 1, thermal conductivity control system 100 also includes a thermal expansion component 140. Thermal expansion component 140 includes a fixed element 142 and a movable element 144. Thermal expansion component 140 is in thermal communication with heat source first thermal element 102 and is operably coupled to first conduction body 110 at distal face 116. Movable element 144 extends from fixed element 142 in the direction of a movement axis 106, and can vary in connecting length based on the temperature of thermal expansion component 140. Movement axis 106 defines a direction of movement of first conduction body 110 with respect to second conduction body 120, and wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 are oblique with respect to movement axis 106. Thermal expansion component 140 is operable to displace first conduction body 110 by sliding first conduction body 110 across first thermal element 102 in the direction of movement axis 106. Second conduction body 120 is fixed with respect to movable element 144, so displacement of first conduction body 110 by movable element 144 changes the positional relationship between wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 by increasing or decreasing gap width 132. As will be appreciated, other arrangements of first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 and thermal expansion component 140 are within the scope of the present invention. For example, first conduction body 110 may be fixed to first thermal element 102, and second conduction body 120 may be operably coupled to thermal expansion component 140 so as to slide across a surface of second thermal element 104. Alternatively, each of first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 may be movable with respect to first thermal element 102 and second thermal element 104, and one or more thermal expansion component 140 can be operably coupled to both first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, thermal conductivity control system 100 is shown in a sequence of configurations in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, first conduction body 110 is shown in position (i). In position (i), gap 130 has a width (i) and first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a thermal conduit with a heat transfer coefficient (i). In the illustrated configuration first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a low efficiency thermal conduit that allows substantially no conductive heat transfer across gap 130.

Referring to FIG. 2B, first conduction body 110 is shown in position (ii). First conduction body 110 moves from position (i) to position (ii) by operation of thermal expansion component 140, thermal expansion component 140 displacing first conduction body 110 by applying a force A to the distal face 116 of first conduction body 110. Force A displaces first conduction body 110 across surface 108 of first conduction body 110 by pushing first conduction body 110 toward second conduction body 120 along movement axis 106. Force A urges first conduction body 110 across surface 108 of first conduction body 110, displacing first conduction body 110 from position (i) to position (ii) and narrowing gap 130. In the illustrated configuration, gap 130 has a width (ii) and first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a thermal conduit with a heat transfer coefficient of (ii). Width (ii) is smaller than width (i) and heat transfer coefficient (ii) is substantially equal to heat transfer coefficient (i).

Referring to FIG. 2C, first conduction body 110 is shown in position (iii). First conduction body 110 moves from position (ii) to position (iii) from continued application of force on first conduction body 110 by thermal expansion component 140, as described above. Thermal expansion component 140 moves the first conduction body into position (iii) at a predetermined temperature. In position (iii), displacement of first conduction body 110 causes wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 to come into thermal contact, thereby eliminating gap 130 with a mechanical interface 134 extending between first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120. First conduction body 110, interface 134, and second conduction body 120 define a thermally efficient conduit with a heat transfer coefficient of (iii) that allows a flow of heat AA to move across the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, heat transfer coefficient (iii) is greater than heat transfer coefficients (i) and (ii). In an exemplary embodiment, heat transfer coefficient (iii) is smaller than the heat transfer coefficient of the material(s) from which first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 are constructed due to the thermal contact resistance across interface 134.

Referring to FIG. 2D, first conduction body 110 is shown in position (iv). Position (iv) is similar to position (iii), and additionally includes compressive forces 136 and 138 applied at the respective wedge faces. Thermal expansion component 140 can optionally apply additional force on first conduction body 110 in position (ii), thereby urging wedge face 112 against wedge face 122. Since wedge face 122 is fixed, force A presses wedge face 112 against wedge face 122, inducing a compressive force 136 on wedge face 112 and compressive force 138 on wedge face 122. Compressive forces 136 and 138 cause interface 134 to conduct heat relatively efficiently, and render thermal conductivity control system 100 a more effective heat conduit. The heat transfer conduit defined by first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 therefore has a heat transfer coefficient (iv) that is greater than heat transfer coefficient (iii). Thermal expansion component 140 moves the first conduction body 110 into configuration (iv) at a predetermined temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, coefficient (iv) approaches that of the material(s) from which first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 are constructed. Wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 can be polished or lapped surfaces, thereby facilitating heat transfer across the faces when in contact with one another.

Referring to FIG. 2E, first conduction body 110 is shown in position (v). Position (v) is similar to positions (iii) and (iv) absent the application of compressive forces on the opposed wedge faces. Wedge face 112 and wedge face 122 remain in mechanical contact but no longer exert compressive forces on the opposing faces. First conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a heat transfer conduit with a heat transfer coefficient (v). In the illustrated embodiment, heat transfer coefficient (v) is substantially the same as heat transfer coefficient (iii).

Referring to FIG. 2F, first conduction body 110 is in a position (vi). First conduction body 110 moves from position (v) to position (vi) by operation of thermal expansion component 140, thermal expansion component 140 displacing first conduction body 110 by applying a force B to the distal face 116 of first conduction body 110. Force B displaces first conduction body 110 across first conduction body 110 by pulling first conduction body 110 toward thermal expansion component 140 along movement axis 106. Displacement of first conduction body 110 from position (v) to position (vi) isolates wedge face 112 from wedge face 122 by re-establishing gap 130. Gap 130 renders the heat transfer conduit defined by first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 less effective than that of position (v). In the illustrated configuration first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 define a heat transfer coefficient (vi) that is substantially equal to above-described heat transfer coefficient (i and ii). As will be appreciated, heat can transfer both by conduction and radiation. Embodiments described herein greater amounts of heat by conduction than by radiation at common ambient temperatures, such as below 120° Fahrenheit for example. At greater temperatures a larger amount of heat can be transferred by radiation than by conduction.

Operatively, thermal conductivity control system 100 controls thermal conductivity between first thermal element 102 and second thermal element 104 by (a) thermally contacting first conduction body 110 with first thermal element 102; (b) thermally contacting second conduction body 120 with second thermal element 104; (c) thermally contacting second conduction body 120 with first conduction body 110 by moving first conduction body 110 between a first position using thermal expansion component 140; and (d) conducting heat from first thermal element 102 to second thermal element 104 across first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120. As will be appreciated, first thermal element 102 can be a heat source and second thermal element 104 can be a heat sink. As will also be appreciated, first position can be as illustrated in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B and second position can be as illustrated in FIG. 2C or FIG. 2D. As will additionally be appreciated, conducting heat can be as illustrated in FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, or FIG. 2E. The method can optionally include (e) compressing first conduction body against second conduction body, thereby increasing a rate of heat transfer between the heat source and the heat sink. Advantageously, embodiments of the method wherein further pressure is applied across positionally fixed first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 increases heat transfer across the bodies owing to opposing compressive forces applied at the contacting faces of the bodies.

Thermal expansion component 140 thermally moves first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 upon reaching a predetermined temperature, as described above. Thermal expansion component 140 can operate by volumetrically expanding a thermal expansion body captive within thermal expansion component 140, such as a wax ball or like element that undergoes a significant volumetric expansion, e.g. about a 10% volumetric expansion, in response to temperature change. As will be appreciated, a phase change may accompany the volumetric expansion, such as from solid to liquid, liquid to gas, or solid to gas. Alternatively, thermal expansion component 140 can be operable through a thermal expansion component that changes shape as result of thermal expansion, such a bimetal plate that exhibits a greater amount of bow at a predetermined temperature. The bowing of such a bimetal plate would operate to drive first conduction body axially, along movement axis 106, at the predetermined temperature. The bimetal plate can be a snap disk, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a battery system 200 with a first conduction body in a first position. Battery system 200 includes a first conduction body 210, a second conduction body 220, and a thermal expansion component 240. First conduction body 210 and second conduction body 220 are similar to first conduction body 110 and second conduction body 120 described above, first conduction body 210 being in thermal contact with a battery body 202 and second conduction body 220 being in thermal contact with a heat sink 204. Battery body 202 is configured for storing and supplying electrical power to a vehicle, such as an automobile or an aircraft.

Thermal expansion component 240 is similar to above-described thermal expansion component 140, and is as additionally described below. Thermal expansion component 240 is in thermal contact with battery body 202 such that temperature change within battery body 202 induces corresponding temperature change in thermal expansion component 240. Thermal expansion component 240 includes a fixed element 242, a movable element 244, and a return element 246.

Fixed element 242 of thermal expansion component 240 is a cylinder with an interior surface 248 and an aperture 254. On its distal end, a portion of the cylinder interior surface 248 defines a chamber 252. On its proximate end, fixed element 242 has an aperture 254 defining an avenue to chamber 252. A portion of return element 246 is fixedly coupled to fixed element 242, and fixed element 242 is in thermal contact with battery body 202. Fixed element 242 can be mechanical coupled to battery body 202 by any suitable means such as screws, clamps or fasteners for purpose of providing access to battery body 202 for servicing and/or replacement as appropriate.

Movable component 244 of thermal expansion component 240 is a piston body defining a piston face on a distal end and coupling element on its proximate end. The proximate end of movable component 244 operably couples first conduction body 210 and can be any suitable coupling, for example rigid or flexible, such that translation (displacement) of movable component 244 along movement axis 206 induces corresponding translation (displacement) of first conduction body 210 along movement axis 206. The piston face of the distal end of movable component 244 cooperates with a portion of cylinder interior 248 to define chamber 252. As would be appreciated, translation of movable component 244 change volume comprised by chamber 252, and volume change of chamber 252 induces translation (displacement) of movable component 244.

Return element 246 of thermal expansion component 240 includes a distal post 256, a proximate post 258, and a resilient member 260 extending between proximate post 258 and distal post 256. Distal post 256 is fixedly coupled to fixed element 242. Proximate post 258 is fixedly coupled to first conduction body 210. Resilient member 260 can be a spring operable to exert a force when extended beyond a predetermined length. As will be appreciated, resilient member 260 is operable to bias first conduction body 210 in distally, thereby urging first conduction body 210 towards a first position wherein first conduction body 210 is not in thermal contact with second conduction body 220. As will also be appreciated, other resilient member types and arrangement are possible and with the scope of the invention. For example, resilient member 260 may be spring wound about the periphery of movable component 244.

With further reference to FIG. 3A, a thermal expansion body 262 is captive within chamber 252 and in thermal communication with fixed element 242. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, thermal expansion body 262 has a pellet shape. This is for illustrative purposes and non-limiting. Thermal expansion body 262 is a deformable mass in contact with both the portion of cylinder interior 248 defining chamber 252 and the face of movable component 244, and occupies substantially all of the volume of chamber 252. Thermal expansion body 262 further defines the volume of chamber 252, and is constructed of a material that exhibits a significant volumetric expansion at a predetermined temperature, such as paraffin wax for example. Below a predetermined temperature, thermal expansion body 262 defines a first volume of chamber 252. Above the predetermined temperature, thermal expansion body 262 undergoes volumetric expansion, thereby defining a second volume of chamber 252, the second volume being greater than the first volume. In an embodiment, volumetric expansion includes a phase change of the material from which thermal expansion body 262 is constructed, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. As will be appreciated, further temperature increases above the predetermined temperature can cause corresponding increase of the chamber volume defined by thermal expansion body 262. Similarly, further temperature decreases below the predetermined temperature can cause corresponding decrease of the chamber volume defined by thermal expansion body 262. Moreover, as movable component 244 is operable coupled to first conduction body 210 on its proximate end, changes in the volume of chamber 252 operate to displace first conduction body 210 along movement axis 206.

The temperature of battery body 202 influences the position of first conduction body 210 and the position of first conduction body influences the temperature of battery body 202. More specifically, thermal contact of battery body 202 with fixed element 242 causes temperature change in battery body 202 to induce corresponding temperature change in fixed element 242. Thermal contact of fixed element 242 with thermal expansion body 262 in turn causes temperature change of fixed element 242 to induce corresponding temperature change in thermal expansion body 262. When the temperature of thermal expansion body 262 rises above a predetermined temperature, its mass volumetrically expands, thereby urging movable component 244 proximately. Expansion of thermal expansion body 262 can apply proximately directed force that exceeds the biasing force of resilient member 260, at which point thermal expansion body 262 both axially displaces movable component 244 and first conduction body 210 along movement axis 206 and extends resilient member 260. As will appreciated, second conduction body 220 can be arranged along movement axis 206 such that thermal expansion body 262 places first conduction body 210 in thermal contact with second conduction body 220 at and above the predetermined temperature.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, battery system 200 is shown with first conduction body 210 in a second position. In the second position first conduction body 210 is in thermal contact with second conduction body 220, and a heat transfer flow AA transfers thermal energy from battery body 202, into first conduction body 210, across an interface 234 between first conduction body 210 and second conduction body 220, into second conduction body 220, and thereafter into heat sink 204. Heat sink 204 can thereafter dissipate heat into the environment external a vehicle housing battery body 202. As will be appreciated, heat flow AA can reduce the temperature of battery body 202 such that the temperature of thermal expansion body 262 drops below the predetermined body, thereby causing the volume of thermal expansion body 262 to decrease and reducing the force applied to the face of movable component 244. Once the force applied to the piston face drops below the level of the biasing force of resilient member 260, resilient member 260 displaces movable component 244 and first conduction body distally, thereby translating movable component 244 and first conduction body 210 axially along movement axis 206. This displacement spaces first conduction body 210 apart from second conduction body 220, thereby thermally isolating battery body 202 from heat sink 204.

As will appreciated, battery system 200 can alternatively cycle between first and second positions as dictated by the temperature adopted by battery body 202 owing to its operation and/or the temperature environment within which the vehicle housing battery body 202 is operated. As will also be appreciated, since the thermal body is a passive actuator, embodiments of the control device described herein do not rely upon other systems for their operation.

The methods and systems of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for thermal conductivity control with superior properties including control of heat path efficiency of a heat conduit connecting a battery body to an environment external to a vehicle housing the battery body. While the apparatus and methods of the subject invention have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses, comprising: thermally contacting a first conduction body with a heat source; thermally contacting a second conduction body with a heat sink; thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body by moving the first conduction body between a first position and a second position with a thermal expansion component, wherein the thermal expansion component moves the first conduction body between the first position and the second position at a predetermined temperature; and conducting heat from the heat source to the heat sink through the first and second conduction bodies, wherein thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body includes moving the first conduction body with a snap disk.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising compressing the first conduction body against the second conduction body, thereby increasing a rate of heat transfer between the heat source and the heat sink.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising sensing temperature of the heat source with the thermal expansion component.
 4. A method for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses, comprising: thermally contacting a first conduction body with a heat source; thermally contacting a second conduction body with a heat sink; thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body by moving the first conduction body between a first position and a second position with a thermal expansion component, wherein the thermal expansion component moves the first conduction body between the first position and the second position at a predetermined temperature; and conducting heat from the heat source to the heat sink through the first and second conduction bodies, wherein the contacting first and second conduction bodies includes volumetrically expanding a thermal expansion body captive within the thermal expansion component.
 5. A method for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses, comprising: thermally contacting a first conduction body with a heat source; thermally contacting a second conduction body with a heat sink; thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body by moving the first conduction body between a first position and a second position with a thermal expansion component, wherein the thermal expansion component moves the first conduction body between the first position and the second position at a predetermined temperature; conducting heat from the heat source to the heat sink through the first and second conduction bodies, expanding the thermal expansion component, wherein the thermal expansion component includes a cylinder configured to remain stationary relative to the first conduction body, and a piston body operatively connecting the first conduction body to the cylinder, wherein a thermal expansion body within the cylinder operatively connects between the cylinder and the piston for movement of the first conduction body between the first and second positions, wherein cylinder contains a fluid having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein a housing of the cylinder is constructed from a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion wherein thermally contacting the second conduction body with the first conduction body includes heating the cylinder. 